Things I Wish I Knew Before Securing a Placement Year
Why did I choose to partake in a placement year?
I’m currently an MSci Biomedical Sciences Student. As soon as I found my interest in studying Biomedical Sciences at university, I was determined to get onto a course that allowed for a work placement year.
Being a first-generation student, I knew that I lacked the social network which other students around me had. Some friends at school would have parents with connections, providing them with access to opportunities for work experience; whereas my parents (as supportive as they are) didn't have the understanding to proofread a personal statement.
Having no one in my family able to show me the steps into higher education and the further graduate market, I felt that the best chance of propelling myself up to speed with others in my discipline would be to gain experience through a placement. Here are 4 reflections and tips after looking back at my experience:
1. What to consider when choosing your course…
My desire for a placement year led me to study at my chosen university, which provides the opportunity for a 'Year in Employment' between the 2nd and 3rd year of my degree course. Through research and attending university open days, I understood that different universities provide varying levels of support towards placement hunting. Whilst all placements require securing independently, some universities may have direct links with organisations which can be helpful in terms of competition.
When choosing which university you would like to attend, this may be something to consider. If you have a lot of employment experience and are confident enough to navigate job applications and interviews, the level of support a university provides may not be very important. However, with little experience or confidence in these aspects, searching for a university with a stronger network and placement support team may be beneficial.
2. Support to look out for…
Although my university did not have as many links to companies in the industry as some other universities, I made sure to take full advantage of the support that was offered.
Be sure to attend all the employment/sandwich year information lectures available to you. Research any resources that your university provides on writing cover letters and CVs. Find career guidance to review and improve your job application documents, as well as someone to practice mock interviews with you!
3. Never give up…
Between October and April of my second year, I applied to 20 different companies, 6 of which progressed to an interview stage. It was difficult balancing placement applications and studying, as each application took so much time. By Easter, I was strongly considering giving up and focusing on my studies, but I kept going, and I'm so grateful I did!
4. Choose the placement that's right for you…
At the end of April 2022, I received an offer for a placement role as a Production Officer at a Pharmaceutical Manufacturer and jumped at the opportunity! I was so relieved that my hard work had paid off and was glad I persevered. When I received a call for an interview with another placement, which I had originally been more interested in, I even turned this down. I was ready to progress my development and build my network.
I am grateful for the amazing opportunity I’m undertaking and have learnt and practised many skills during my time here. Looking back, however, I would have liked to give the interview a go for the other role and see where it took me, as it would not have been too late to change my mind.
It would have been beneficial to my decision-making if I had a clearer idea of what each role entailed. For future situations, I have now realised that making an informed decision is always the best route to take, and I would recommend all other students to do the same. You may be surprised what decisions turn out to be the best for you to take!
Remember that as much as you are in want of experience, you must also make sure that any experience is worthwhile to you and your career journey long-term.